Dusty Baker to Lead NASCAR's Sonoma Return as Honorary Grand Marshal
Veteran baseball manager Dusty Baker will be honored as the Honorary Grand Marshal for the upcoming Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway, scheduled for June 28. Baker, a Hall of Fame‑caliber figure in baseball, brings a deep‑rooted connection to Northern California from his tenure as manager of the San Francisco Giants from 1993 to 2002, a period marked by three National League West titles and a National League championship.
In his new role, Baker will deliver the iconic phrase “Drivers, start your engines!” to signal the start of the race, a tradition that underscores the ceremony’s blend of sport and spectacle. His selection reflects both his storied career, which includes three National League Manager of the Year awards and a World Series title with the Houston Astros in 2022, and his reputation as one of the few managers to guide five different franchises into the postseason.
Joining Baker on the pre‑race stage will be former Giants pitcher Matt Cain, who will deliver the official invocation before the green flag drops. Cain’s presence adds a nostalgic touch, linking the world of baseball to NASCAR’s road‑course tradition on Sonoma’s challenging 10‑turn, 1.99‑mile circuit.
The Toyota/Save Mart 350 will be broadcast live nationwide at 12:30 p.m. on TNT Sports, offering fans a chance to watch some of the series’ top drivers battle the unique demands of the Sonoma road course. The event marks a key moment in the 2026 NASCAR calendar, celebrating the series’ continued expansion into iconic West Coast venues.
Beyond the ceremony, Baker’s involvement highlights the enduring influence of baseball figures in American sports culture, illustrating how legends from one sport can enrich another’s ceremonial landscape. His participation is expected to draw additional attention to the race, reinforcing Sonoma Raceway’s reputation as a premier venue for thrilling, competitive motorsport.